SARIKEI: National Day celebrations hold deep significance for the people of Sarawak as a symbol of unity among communities of diverse ethnicities, cultures, and faiths in embracing the true spirit of Malaysia.

Minister of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, and Minister in Charge of the 2025 Sarawak-level National Day Celebration, Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, said that three key dates — 22 July (Sarawak Day), 31 August (National Day), and 16 September (Malaysia Day) — must continue to be appreciated as they shape the identity of the people, especially the younger generation.

“Sarawak Day commemorates the historic moment when the state gained self-governance in 1963. National Day symbolises the country’s independence from colonial rule, while Malaysia Day marks the union of Sabah, Sarawak, and Malaya under one sovereign nation,” she said.

She made the remarks in conjunction with the 68th Sarawak-level National Day Celebration held here on Sunday.

The celebration was officiated by the SarawakGovernor, Tun Pehin Sri Dr. Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, accompanied by his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi.

Also present were Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, Deputy Premiers, the Sarawak Legislative Assembly Speaker, state leaders, and other dignitaries.

Dato Sri Fatimah added that Sarawak is unique for its diversity of ethnicities, cultures, and beliefs, yet its people have proven that such diversity is not a barrier to unity, but instead a true source of strength.

Commenting on this year’s National Day theme, “Malaysia Madani: Rakyat Disantuni”, she urged the people to embrace independence not only in a physical sense but also by cultivating a liberated spirit that values peace, unity, and shared wellbeing.

She stressed that Sarawakians must carry forward the legacy of independence by building a competitive, progressive, and united state, while strengthening their identity as 'Anak Sarawak' who take pride in their history and uphold a strong sense of patriotism.

“We celebrate National Day not only through parades or performances but also through our commitment and determination to contribute towards the development of the state and nation in whatever capacity we can,” she said.

Throughout the 2025 National Month, the Sarawak branch of the Department of Information Malaysia (JAPEN) has lined up a series of programmes to ignite patriotic spirit.

These include the Launch of National Month and Jalur Gemilang Campaign, Kita MADANI Carnival, National Exhibition, the Pengisahan Kenegaraan@Kelab Malaysiaku 2025 competition at the Sarawak level, Kembara Merdeka Jalur Gemilang, distribution of the 2025 National Month posters, as well as the Jiwa@Komuniti MADANI HKHM 2025 programme.

Meanwhile, Sarikei — selected as the host for the state-level celebration — came alive with a Merdeka Eve Concert, Unity Walk, and a range of performances and activities held in conjunction with the festivities. -UKASnews